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How To Kill a Tree Stump (2022 Guide)

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From home remedies to professional solutions, here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of a tree stump in your yard.

Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 10/05/2022 2:05 pm

Cutting down trees in your yard is a great way to improve the natural lighting for other plants and make way for new trees to grow. If you’ve removed a tree in your yard, you know how pesky its leftover stump can be.

While you could leave it alone, it could start to grow, sprouting annoying shoots from its roots, or it may take years to naturally rot and decompose. Try the following techniques to kill the tree stump and remove it from your yard or find a tree removal expert to take care of it for you.

Home Remedies for Tree Stump Removal

Here are a few ways you can get rid of a tree stump before getting your hands dirty with physical removal.

Epsom Salt

This is a common DIY method for killing tree trunks, as it accelerates the decomposition process to 6–12 months, as opposed to three to seven years for natural rotting. Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur, which are beneficial to plants but deadly in large quantities. Overdosing the stump with Epsom salt pulls the moisture out of it, killing it and accelerating the decaying process.

Here’s how to use Epsom salt to kill a tree stump:

  1. Drill deep holes in the stump about an inch wide with a power drill and a wide drill bit.
  2. Sprinkle the stump with water after covering the top of the stump with Epsom salt.
  3. Cover the stump with a tarp to keep the rain from washing away the substance.
  4. Repeat this process every few weeks to ensure its success.

If this process is successful, the stump will die within two to three months and be close to full decay after a year. This is a great solution for homeowners who want a slower, natural approach to killing their tree stump.

Rock Salt

Similar to Epsom salt, rock salt can help kill and decay a stump with minimal effort. Here’s how to kill a tree stump with rock salt:

  1. Drill holes into the stump.
  2. Pack the holes with rock salt.
  3. After all of the holes are packed and the stump is covered in salt, pour soil and mulch over the stump.
  4. Then, pour water over the mulch—this will dissolve the salt, help the roots absorb the solution, and pack the soil.

Keep watering the stump every few days for one to two months to keep the stump moist with the saltwater solution, promoting absorption and the growth of fungi that can accelerate the stump’s decomposition. You can also add a potassium nitrate fertilizer to further support the growing fungi.

Plastic Bag or Tarp

Perhaps the easiest method to kill a tree stump is forcing darkness on it. Without sunlight, the tree stump will die, accelerating the decomposition process. Rotting should start to take place in two to three months.

Here’s how to kill a tree stump with a plastic bag or tarp:

  1. Similar to other methods, cut the stump as close to the roots as possible with a chainsaw, hatchet, or handsaw.
  2. Cover the stump with a black trash bag.
  3. Weigh the bag down with heavy rocks or bricks. For a smaller stump, use a dark-colored bucket or container to cover the stump.

This technique requires little to no effort, but it can be slower compared with the physical removal methods.

Boiling Water

You don’t need to purchase any substance or solution to try this remedy—all you need is hot water.

  1. Expose as much of the stump’s root structure as possible.
  2. Drill holes into the roots and on top of the stump—this will help the scalding water reach as much of the root system as possible and kill the roots with heat.
  3. Once all the roots are exposed, pour boiling water over them. The heat from the water will shock the root system, severely damaging it and killing it.

Once the stump and roots are dead, the natural decomposition process can begin.

Techniques To Physically Remove a Tree Stump

If you have the time and resources to use physical methods to kill and remove your tree stump, consider the following techniques. Compared to home remedies, they are much quicker but take a bit more effort, tools, and money to perform.

Use Fire To Kill a Tree Stump

Use some kindling or kerosene to burn the stump so that it doesn’t protrude from the ground. This method will kill the tree, but it won’t completely get rid of the tree roots and stump. Keep in mind that this may not be an option if you live in an area with a dry climate that’s prone to wildfires. Check with your local fire department to see if burning a tree stump falls in line with the local fire code.

Once you have approval to burn your tree stump, there are a few ways you can move forward. You can drill holes into the trunk, pour kerosene into each hole, light scrap wood on the surface of the stump, and carefully monitor the wood as it burns. This method is slower, but it burns the wood from deeper within the stump.

You can also cut criss-cross lines in the wood that are about five to six inches deep with a chainsaw, then simply light some kindling on top and monitor the stump until it’s burned down below ground level.

Dig the Tree Stump Out of the Ground

Digging out a tree stump is one way to remove it from your yard, but it can require time-consuming work that can be potentially destructive to your yard or garden. This method allows you to remove as many tree roots as possible and ensure that the stump doesn’t continue to grow. To save time and effort, consider hiring a professional with digging equipment to handle the job.

Here’s how to dig a tree stump out of the ground:

  1. Dig around the stump, exposing as many roots as possible.
  2. Use a chainsaw, hatchet, or handsaw to cut the larger roots. As you continue digging, you may find smaller roots that can be cut with clippers or loppers.
  3. Once you’ve cut all of the roots around the stump, lift and remove the stump from the ground.
  4. Fill the hole with dirt and cover it with topsoil or mulch.

Note: This process can take multiple hours of labor, depending on the size of the tree stump and the root structure.

Free Quote: Get your free quote on professional stump removal today

Grinding the Tree Stump

This is the quickest method for killing and removing tree stumps. It involves hiring a tree removal specialist or renting a stump grinder machine to break apart the wood in the trunk and tree roots. Typical prices for this job are around $100–$400. Stump grinder machine rental costs typically fall between $80 and $150 for a four-hour window.

To grind a tree stump, start by trimming the stump with a chainsaw, digging around it and removing any rocks. Then, use the machine’s cutter blade to chip away at the wood and cut any roots that are connected to the stump. This process can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on the size of the stump. Once you’re finished, spread dirt in and over the hole, adding topsoil or mulch if desired.

What To Avoid When Killing Tree Stumps

Here are a few factors to consider when removing or killing tree stumps to ensure safety and effectiveness:

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to remove a tree stump from your yard, try one of the above methods. While we recommend the DIY techniques if you’re not in a hurry, renting a machine or hiring a professional to help grind the stump is the fastest solution.

Free Quote: Get your free quote on professional stump removal today

Enter your ZIP code into the tool below to find tree removal experts in your area that can help you get rid of your pesky stump.

Frequently Asked Questions

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in backyards and pipework |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you want to know how to kill tree roots, it's likely that a tree has been removed, with only the stump and root system remaining. These roots may be causing problems, exploiting existing weaknesses pipework and patios, or even house foundations. 

If you know how to remove a tree stump, you might also know that a stump left in might take the opportunity to reshoot. In this case, you will need to remove of the root system as is possible.

'Always take care when trying to kill or remove tree roots. If you want to cut up the root system to kill it, be aware that it could be wrapped around underground pipes or cables,' says Fiona Jenkins, gardening expert at MyJobQuote . 'Should you be in any doubt or suspect that the root system is well established, hire a reputable arborist to tackle it for you. This will save you time and effort and prevent accidental damage.'

It goes without saying of course that, for many, killing tree roots will need the services of a professional, and should never be attempted with the tree still standing. 

Here, we explode the myths around killing tree roots and reiterate that the best person to remove them, if they need it, is a professional.

How to kill tree roots

Killing tree roots – along with tree removal and controlling tree root growth generally – could save you both inconvenience, property damage and expense in the long run. 

Prevention is better than cure, so as you plant your garden, ensuring the trees you put in are of a suitable size and, in some specific cases, have a root barrier around the roots will save you having to deal with this problem in future. 

'It is really important to understand that trees don’t cause the initial damage to pipes,' advises John Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Arboricultural Association . 'They can only exploit existing weaknesses. So if a pipe isn’t maintained, and it cracks, then tree roots could exploit that and make things worse. But the tree is extremely unlikely to have actually caused the damage. Tree root damage to pipes is really a sign of a lack of infrastructure maintenance.'

Can you kill tree roots with boiling water?

You cannot kill tree roots with boiling water. There is a theory that you can kill tree roots with boiling water, by exposing as much of them – and the stump if it's still intact – and drilling holes into them. Pour boiling water into the holes is said to cause heat-shock to the roots. This will not work.

Can you kill tree roots with rock salt?

Gena Lorainne, a gardening and landscaping expert at Fantastic Services suggests killing tree roots with rock salt.

'Dig several four inch holes into the cut surface of the tree trunk. Additionally, you can also drill some holes in the exposed roots (if present),' she says. 'Fill the holes with rock salt and pour water into them so the holes are filled to the top. 

'A very important thing to remember is to avoid overfilling and spilling, as rock salt is toxic to other vegetation and pets. You will have to repeat this process several times for a couple of months and eventually, the salt will do its job and kill the tree roots. You will know that the job is done If there isn’t any regrowth from the trunk.'

Tristan Sissons, Garden Buying Manager at Homebase suggests sealing the holes drilled after the rock salt has been poured in with candlewax. 'This stops the salt from getting blown around the garden and harming other plants,' he says. 'Cover the tree stump with a plastic sheet or tarpaulin. Check on it every couple of weeks – when it’s dead, it will break up easily.'

However, John Parker of the Arboriculture Association disagrees: 'Pouring rock salt into holes drilled into tree roots is not a good idea, probably won’t work and should not be proposed as a solution to this perceived problem. A tree stump will take several months, and likely years, to break up, no matter how much salt is poured into/onto it.'

How to kill tree roots with herbicides

While you can kill tree roots with herbicides, John Parker advises that they 'should typically be a last resort, but if they are to be used to kill root systems this should only ever be done by a professional, probably using plugs, not by somebody cooking up their own concoction at home.'

Can you kill tree roots in pipes with boiling water?

It is unlikely that flushing anything, from boiling water to baking soda, vinegar or salt, all of which you will see suggested on the internet, will do anything to kill tree roots. 

'Even if it did have some effect, the roots would soon grow back unless the pipe was fixed,' says John Parker.

Which trees have the most invasive roots?

Just as with invasive plants, which can cause damage to masonry, fences and other plants, there are some trees you will want to avoid planting near buildings. However, says John Parker, 'it is all about planting the right tree in the right place, with the right aftercare. Context is everything – soil type, proximity to structures or infrastructure, local climatic conditions, maintenance, etc.'

Why do tree roots invade pipework?

A tree's roots are driven to look for water and nutrients, so it's a given that they will gravitate towards cracked pipework underground, especially if there are the tiniest of leaks coming from them. Tree roots can invade even the smallest of gaps, causing wider damage, so should any cracks in pipework or masonry should be dealt with as soon as they are discovered.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4. com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

Destruction of the roots of trees and bushes: the best means and methods

Renovation of the garden is invariably accompanied by cutting down old trees and planting new ones. But after that, one problem appears: stumps remain in place of the removed plants, which not only spoil the appearance of the garden, but also reduce the potential area for new plantings.

This article will describe the main ways to destroy the roots and stumps of trees, and step-by-step instructions for mechanical and chemical removal of wood residues will help clear the garden of old stumps.

Contents:

  1. Why tree roots need to be removed
  2. Preparation for destruction of tree roots
  3. Methods for removing tree roots
    1. Mechanical uprooting
    2. Chemical removal of tree roots
  4. How to remove roots yourself
    1. Safety when removing roots and stumps

Why tree roots need to be removed

Removing an old stump has not only aesthetic but also practical value. As a rule, they appear on the site after the old tree has already been cut down and disposed of. Just removing a tree from the site is easy, while removing its overgrown roots and large stump is much more difficult. Many people use the old proven mechanical uprooting, but there are a variety of chemicals on the modern horticultural market that make this process much easier.

See also: Do-it-yourself drip irrigation

If the root and part of the trunk do not bother you, you can turn it into a kind of garden decoration by planting flowers inside it or decorating it in any other way you like. However, there are times when destruction is not just a whim, but a necessity. This happens if the tree was cut down due to illness. If even a small part of it is left in the ground, it can become a source of infection for the rest of the trees in the garden. In addition, the remains of an old plant occupy a usable area, because in their place you can plant a young tree or shrub, which will bring a crop in the future.

Preparing to destroy the roots of trees

Before you start removing the roots, you should decide on the method you will use for this. Wood residues can be destroyed mechanically or chemically.

If you prefer to manually uproot part of the trunk, you will need a saw, a shovel and an axe. In this case, you will first have to dig a hole around the stump, chop or file its roots and gradually, piece by piece, remove the wood from the soil.

Note: The mechanical method is considered obsolete not only because of the high labor costs, but also because some large specimens are difficult to manually remove, and the remains can only be uprooted from the soil with the help of machinery.

The chemical method is considered more modern. The remains of wood are simply treated with a special preparation that accelerates the process of fiber destruction. As a result, in a short time, the remains of the trunk begin to crumble, and you just have to remove it.

Figure 1. Preparatory work

Depending on the chosen method, you will need some preparation (Figure 1). With mechanical removal, you need to dig a hole around the trunk in advance and prepare all the necessary tools, and in some cases, rent special equipment. If you opted for the chemical method, you will need to buy special treatment products, as well as prepare a spray gun and protective clothing.

Methods for removing tree roots

As mentioned above, roots and stumps can be destroyed mechanically and chemically. Since they are fundamentally different from each other, we will look at the features, advantages and disadvantages of each of them in more detail so that you can choose the right one for yourself.

Mechanical uprooting

This method is considered the oldest, since the process uses tools with which the roots are filed, and the stump is simply uprooted from the ground. A more modern mechanical method involves the involvement of heavy equipment (excavators, bulldozers or special pullers), but, unfortunately, not everyone can pay for the rental of such equipment. In addition, it is far from always possible for heavy equipment to enter the site.

Figure 2. Mechanical uprooting

If you don't want or can't use heavy equipment, you can also remove the stump manually. This will require some preparation. First, the remains of the plant must be freed from the surrounding earth by digging the soil with a shovel. Secondly, you need to prepare in advance the equipment with which the trunk will be removed from the ground (Figure 2).

Mechanical uprooting is carried out as follows:

  1. After the stump is freed from the soil, it must be tied with a cable attached to the winch. It is better to fasten the cable immediately under the saw cut so that it acts as a lever when tipping over. The winch can be tied to a regular car.
  2. If it is not possible to use a winch, the frame can be removed by cutting off the remains of the roots with an ax or cutting down with a saw.
  3. Once the trunk is free of lateral roots, it can be easily swung and removed.

This method is the cheapest, and with some effort, a large root can be uprooted in a day. However, this method is accompanied by significant labor costs. In addition, if you plan to carry out construction on this site, a mechanical removal method will not work for you, as the remnants of the roots may remain in the ground.

Chemical removal of tree roots

Chemical stump removal is simpler and more modern, although it has certain features. As a rule, saltpeter is used to destroy wood residues - a chemical with a powerful oxidizing effect, which quickly destroys not only the aerial part, but also the roots (Figure 3).

Removal of roots with saltpeter is carried out as follows:

  1. At the end of summer or beginning of autumn, several holes are drilled in the trunk. For this purpose, it is better to use the thickest drills so that the diameter of the holes is large.
  2. Potassium or sodium nitrate is poured into the holes obtained and poured with plenty of water. The liquid will dissolve the chemical and it will penetrate the wood fibers faster.
  3. The top of the trunk should be covered with pieces of wood or covered with foil, tightly tied to the trunk. This will prevent chemical vapors from escaping, and the destruction process will be more active.

Leave the stump prepared in this way until next summer. During this time, saltpeter will saturate not only the trunk, but also the roots. After that, you need to either pour a small amount of kerosene on the remains of the tree, or light a fire around the stump. The tree will begin to smolder, and all you have to do is remove its remains and dig up the site.

Note: It is important to consider that this method is not suitable for areas with peaty soil, since the roots soaked with saltpeter after ignition can cause a fire in the deep layers of the soil.

This method is good because it requires minimal physical effort, and all the remains of the tree will be completely removed. An exception can only be thick and deep-lying roots, but they will be destroyed so much that they will not be able to give young shoots.

Figure 3. Chemical destruction with saltpeter

But when using saltpeter, it should be borne in mind that in large quantities it negatively affects the fertility of the soil, so it will not be possible to grow fruit and vegetable crops in this area for several years.

How to remove the roots yourself

Another easy way to remove roots and stumps with your own hands is with the use of urea. This method is also considered chemical, but its advantage is that even large stumps can be removed quickly and with minimal labor.

Preparation of the barrel for removal is similar to the saltpeter method: large holes are drilled in the barrel, into which urea (urea) is poured. Each hole is filled with water, and the saw cut is tightly covered with a film. After 1-2 years, both the trunk and the roots remaining in the soil will completely rot and turn into fertile soil (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Chemical uprooting with urea

The main advantage of this method is considered to be low labor costs. But it should also be borne in mind that when using urea to remove stumps, all wood is destroyed: not only the trunk, but also the roots that go deep into the soil. In addition, after such treatment, the soil is not polluted with chemicals, remains fertile and suitable for growing other crops. Of the shortcomings, only a long period of stump removal can be distinguished: it can take 1-2 years to destroy large specimens, but if you want to maintain high soil quality and not make serious physical effort, this method will be the most suitable.

Safety when removing roots and stumps

When using any chemicals to destroy tree residue, safety rules must be strictly followed. First of all, for processing, you need to wear gloves and a protective suit. This requirement applies not only to saltpeter, but also to safer urea, which should also not be touched with bare hands.

In addition, it is better to carry out the treatment in early spring or autumn, after harvesting, since the fruits of crops growing near the treated stump cannot be eaten after treatment.

Best stump removers in 2021

Contents

  • Our Top Picks
  • Stump Killer FAQ

    • Trees can add majesty to any landscape. However, some trees can be a nuisance by growing roots under power lines and driveways. In this case, the tree can be cut down, but the stump and roots will remain firmly fixed in the ground. Digging up or cutting down abandoned trees, bushes, and lignified stumps by hand is difficult at best, and in some cases nearly impossible without heavy equipment. Depending on the species, if the tree or vine was alive when felled, aggressive new shoots may soon appear around the stump, restarting the cycle.

    Solution? Chemical stump killer. Stump killer is a herbicide specially formulated to kill the stump and its roots. Stump killers eliminate the need to cut or dig out resistant stumps and prevent new shoots from forming. Read on for tips on how to choose the best stump remover for your yard.

    1. BEST OVERALL: Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Herbicide Tordon RTU
    2. SECOND PLACE: VPG Fertilome 32295 Stump Brush
    3. BEST PART FOR TANK: Bonide (BND272) Ready Stump Remover
    4. BEST WITH SPRAYER: BioAdvanced 704645A Brush Killer & Stump Remover
    5. HONOR: Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover
    6. ALSO PLEASE NOTE: Bonide 274 728639280241 Vine and Stump Killer

    What to consider when choosing the best stump remover

    The stump killer is not a quick fix for getting rid of stumps. The degradation process can take from several months to a year. In the end, the stump will decompose, and the remaining hole can be puttied and smoothed over.

    Size and location of the stump

    The size of the stump is an important factor in deciding whether to remove it manually or chemically. Stumps that are several inches above ground level can cause tripping. If the stump is in a part of the yard where pedestrians often pass, it may be best to manually remove it for safety reasons.

    Chemical stump removers help kill any size stump that would be difficult to manually remove. Smaller stumps, less than a couple of inches in diameter, might be worth digging up to get rid of them as soon as possible.

    Working Time

    The actual time it takes the stump remover chemical to break down the stump may vary depending on the tree or plant species and whether the stump is green and freshly cut.

    In the case of recently cut stumps, a stump herbicide that travels to the roots is needed to stop re-emergence. Depending on the product, results may appear within 6-8 weeks. However, the stump itself may not decompose for several more months.

    Another type of stump that responds well to chemical removal is the dead or "hardened" stump. While these stumps are incapable of producing new shoots, they can be dangerous or interfere with new landscaping plans. In this case, the stump remover will contain a chemical that speeds up the decomposition of the old wood, which can take several months or longer.

    After a few months, the owner will be able to pour kerosene on a partially decomposed seasoned stump and burn it. Some chemical stump removers are designed to be used in conjunction with stump burning. Before going down this route, check with local fire codes to see if burning a stump is allowed in your area.

    Ingredients

    Chemical stump killers contain strong herbicides and other chemicals that accelerate the decomposition of stumps. Most stump removal products contain one or more of the following active ingredients:

    • Glyphosate: Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide that penetrates the vascular system of the stump and kills roots. This is useful for destroying green stumps.
    • Triclopyr: Triclopyr is a systemic herbicide that causes the living roots of the stump to grow rapidly, overpowering the tree and killing it. Triclopyr is found in products that kill green stumps.
    • Potassium nitrate: Potassium nitrate, also called "saltpeter", not only kills stump but is one of the best ingredients to help it decompose quickly. It is found in foods both to kill green stumps and to rot seasoned stumps.
    • Picloram: Picloram is a systemic herbicide that kills woody plants. This herbicide is found in products designed to both kill and decompose the stump.
    • Sodium Metabisulphite: Sodium Metabisulphite is an inorganic chemical that rots aged stumps. It is not intended for use on green stumps that may grow back.

    Safety

    The chemicals in stump destroyers are often toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation or cause respiratory symptoms if the vapors are inhaled. The manufacturer generally recommends wearing chemical resistant gloves and goggles. For maximum protection, wear a respiratory mask and protective clothing, including long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. Keep children and pets away from the stump and cover the treated stump with a tarp or board during the decomposition process.

    Some types of stump removers, especially those containing potassium nitrate, are flammable, so do not use near open flames or smoke during application.

    Application Process

    Different chemical stump killers may have slightly different instructions, but the following application method is standard.

    1. Using a chainsaw, cut the stump low to the ground and remove the side bark to expose as much surface area as possible.
    2. Drill holes in the surface of the stump (more than a few inches in diameter). Alternatively, cut grooves into the surface of the stump with a chainsaw.
    3. Apply chemical stump killer or decomposer. Depending on the product, this may mean pouring granules into holes and then pouring hot water over the stump. It can also mean applying liquid to the surface of the stump or spraying it. Spraying is usually carried out for stumps with green shoots, and sprouts are also sprayed.
    4. Cover the stump to keep children and animals safe.
    5. Check the stump every 3-4 months. Eventually, it will become spongy and can be dug up or burned and then dug up.

    Our Top Picks

    To qualify as one of the best products, a stump killer must effectively destroy the roots of a living tree or vine and prevent them from regrowing. If the product is intended to remove aged stumps, it should accelerate the decay of the stump so that the owner can easily remove the remains with a shovel. The following stump killer/removal chemicals may vary in type, but each offers a reliable way to get rid of an unwanted stump.

    Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Herbicide Tordon RTU

    A farmer and landscaper's favorite, Tordon RTU from Dow AgroSciences has become the best in this line. It reliably kills green stumps right down to the roots and contains picloram, which speeds up the decomposition process. Thordon comes in a dark blue liquid that stains the top of the stump so users who remove multiple stumps will know which ones have already been treated.

    It is supplied ready to use with the included screw-on spray nozzle (eg dishwashing liquid) for application directly to the stump without the need to spray or add water to the product. It treats most harmful trees, including hawthorn, elm, and alder, but should not be used on rooted stumps that may intertwine with the desired tree roots to prevent damage to the desired tree. Supplied in a 1 liter bottle.

    VPG Fertilome 32295 Stump Remover

    Triclopyr is the active chemical in Fertilome's Brush and Stump Killer that kills tree roots and inhibits the growth of invasive shoots. It is also useful for speeding up the decomposition of the stump. Fertilome is well suited for killing small stumps up to 6 inches in diameter, as well as woody bushes and stumps associated with, for example, wisterias.

    The concentrated chemical is supplied in a 32 ounce bottle and should be diluted at 8 to 16 tablespoons per gallon of water. Use maximum focus on the hardest stumps to kill, such as poison ivy. After mixing with water, the solution is applied with a brush to the stump.

    Bonide (BND272) Ready Stump Remover

    This stump remover will accelerate the breakdown of hardened stumps and is affordable. It contains sodium metabisulphite and is best suited for treating stumps where the tree has been cut at least 12 months before. It is well suited for use on trees that do not germinate or regrow after cutting, such as aspens, pines and cedars.

    Drill holes in the stump, fill with Stump-Out pellets, then pour hot water over the stump to start the decomposition process. The stump may collapse on its own, which may take several months, or removal can be accelerated by dousing the stump with kerosene 6 weeks after the Stump-Out treatment and burning the stump. (Check with local fire codes before going this route. ) Product comes in a 1-pound package.

    BioAdvanced 704645A Brush Killer & Stump Remover

    To avoid mixing or mess, check out BioAdvanced Stump & Stump Remover, which comes in a ready to use spray bottle. The product is best suited for small stumps commonly associated with woody shrubs and vines, including kudzu and poison oak. BioAdvanced is a versatile herbicide that also kills harmful and invasive species.

    Spray the product containing the active ingredient triclopyr until all exposed areas of the residual limb are completely wet but not dripping. Also soak any new shoots that may grow from the stump. BioAdvanced is designed to penetrate deep into the stump and reach the roots, killing and accelerating decomposition.

    Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover

    Spectracide Stump Remover, containing potassium nitrate to accelerate stump breakdown, is designed to work only on hardened stumps where the stump is already dead and not sprouts. The product comes in granular form and users must either drill holes into the stump or cut grooves in the top of the stump with a chainsaw before applying.

    A stump remover is then used to fill holes or grooves and then hot water is poured over the stump to activate the decomposition process. As with other decay products of the stump, after softening the stump, it can be doused with kerosene and, if desired, burned. The stump remover comes in a 1 lb. container.

    Bonide 274 728639280241 Vine & Stump Killer

    Kill small stumps without harming nearby vegetation with the Bonide Vine & Stump Killer, which contains the active ingredient triclopyr. This ready-to-drink liquid comes in an 8 oz bottle and comes with an included brush applicator for applying the product directly to the surface of the stump. It works well on small to medium stumps up to 8 inches in diameter.

    It is also suitable for stumps of other woody and vine plants such as poison oak and wisteria. For best results, apply this Bonide product to freshly cut stumps and cover as much of the stump surface as possible.

    Stump Killer FAQ

    Clearing undergrowth or removing woody shrubs and trees can result in unsightly stumps that must be removed before the area can be used for other purposes. Stump killers are designed to either kill a green stump that might otherwise sprout, or break down an already dead stump, softening it and making it easier to remove. From those who want to use this type of product for the first time, some questions should be expected.

    Q. Should the stumps be removed?

    To prevent young shoots from growing back, it is often necessary to remove the stump. The stump can also trip and cause serious damage to the mower blades.

    Q. What chemical will kill the stump?

    Chemicals such as glyphosate, triclopyr, picloram and potassium nitrate are often found in chemical stump removers designed to destroy stumps and accelerate their decomposition.

    Q. How long does it take to kill a stump?

    Depending on size, most stumps should take no more than an hour to prepare and apply the chemical. However, it may take several months or more for the stump to decompose sufficiently for removal.

    Learn more